I am retiring this September and I have been submitting my resuming to numerous companies and have received zero interest. I'm beginning to think I've done something wrong with my resume and could use a little help. I would greatly appreciate any help that someone out there may provide. Thank you in advance.
Answers
Chris, it looks like you've already received several offers to review your resume. If you'd like an additional opinion feel free to send a copy to me at bill.bross@hp.com
Chris,
The book "What Color is Your Parachute" addresses exactly what you are speaking of...especially Chapter 3: The Best and Worst Way to Look for Jobs.
Looking for your next career online: 4-10% chance of success
Posting your resume online: 7% chance of success
I won't give the rest away, but there are techniques listed there which are statistically better, in the arena of 70-86%. What's more is these are techniques which you have the time and ability to do between now and September.
If you do nothing else, I'd recommend reading this book and one titled "Military to Civilian Transition Guide" before you search any further. Good Luck.
William
Chris,
I experienced a problem in accessing the link I just passed to you. So, If you have an issue,
try this: www.panalpina.com and from there you can dig deeper.
Chris,
You've generated a good amount of interest to get thoughts/comments about your resume.
Just recently I came across a firm with world-wide logistics involvement. Passing along this link. They have offices around the world and in various places CONUS.
Chris, you must first start with the purpose of your resume. It is to spark interest so someone will ask for a follow up, not a list of everything you did. Thus, you must be different. I would suggest a one page resume with a focus on some creative things or significant programs that you did. Not list of all your positions. Be specific. To that, attach a one page letter to the company you are sending the resume. Send to a person, not a function. Research them on internet, etc. Focus on what they do and show them how you would fit into their company and help them. Again, be specific, you are looking to attract attention. After you submit your resume, follow up with a phone call. If you are rejected, follow up with a hand written thank you note for them taking the time to look at you. This could impress people in the process for the future. Again, be different, stand out!
I would also agree with the person suggesting networking. Today, getting a job in many cases involves who you know, not what you know. Persistence will pay off. Good luck
Chris,
I agree with Jim Sherry. Sending out your resume has a 5% probability of getting someone's attention, and then all you've done is gotten your foot in the door. Your best chance of actually landing a job is through someone who knows you, what you can do, and knows someone looking for someone like you. In other words, networking. It's hard. And it involves cold calling which will send shivers up your spine if it doesn't make you throw up first.
What to do? Learn how to sell--the right way. I'll give you some books to read below. You're the product. Market it. Research whom you want to approach. Join LinkedIn groups in the field your interested in and connect with people there.
When you connect with someone, go through a discovery process to learn what's eating him. Shut up and listen. Then ask a question. Listen. Follow up with a question based on what you hear--don't think about your next question while he's talking. Listen. Don't talk. In a 45 minute meeting, you may not talk more than 10 minutes.You may need to prepare a presentation. Get a commitment from your prospect that he's really looking for someone like you. Ask how the purchasing decision is made. Negotiate on price. Ask for the order, but don't try any tricky alternate closes--they've heard them all before and can tell which number in the list it is. Be direct. If an offer is extended, it's easy. If not, ask "What do we do next?"
For networking, Lillian Bjorseth, "Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last, Third Edition" (2009).
For sales:
1) Jill Konrath, "SNAP Selling: Speed Up Sales and Win More Business with Today's Frazzled Customers" (2012)
2) Neil Rackham, "SPIN Selling" (1988)--this is the granddaddy of current sales thinking and the resemblance in titles is deliberate.
For cold calling, Art Sobczak, "Smart Calling: Eliminate the Fear, Failure, and Rejection From Cold Calling" (new edition release Apr. 8, 2013--pre-order on Amazon.com)
I know Lillian, Jill and Art personally and you can use my name if you contact them directly. I'll be glad to work with you on these techniques in more depth.
Josh Margolis
jmargolis@crminsights.com
USAF, 4 years, Dogger, Combat Apple
Good evening. My name is Richard Buck, a Marine Corp vet. If you still need someone to review your resume, I would be happy to review it and help you.
Richard Buck
76warrior85@gmail.com
914 391 3375
Hi Chris. Getting your resume in order is important but you really need to start growing your business network. Resume submittals account for ~5% of job placements, networks account for over 75%. Start tapping into sites like LinkedIn and look to join trade/career/industry specific groups. Listen in on the conversation. It will let you know what buzz words you need to know/understand and who some of the players are. Good luck to you.
Chris,
I to was a Petty Officer who made the transition to Logistics and work in that field today for a Fortune 100 company. Please send me your resume and I will review it and also send you mine so you can see format, content, etc. bwcravens@yahoo.com
I am not a Logistics expert, but I have reviewed a TON of resumes. Feel free to shoot it to me, and I'd be happy to look at it. heather.gillbanks@ge.com
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